The CDC Is Restructuring Its Agency Amid Public Criticism

The CDC is undergoing changes to improve public trust and communication. Director Rochelle Walensky emphasizes faster outbreak responses and clearer information sharing. An internal review led to reorganization plans, including using more external research and restructuring communication strategies. The CDC has faced criticism for confusing communication, especially during COVID-19, with guidance often above recommended reading levels. Public trust has declined, with only 44% of Americans trusting CDC information in early 2022. The reorganization aims to address these issues, but changes require approval from Health and Human Services, with implementation expected by early 2023.

What is one of the main goals of the CDC's planned changes?

• To reduce staff numbers

• To expand global operations

• To regain public trust

• To increase funding for research

What is a key component of the CDC's reorganization plans?

• Hiring more staff

• Building new laboratories

• Increasing the number of CDC offices

• Using more external preprint research

What reading level was the CDC's guidance found to be written for during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• College level

• 11th grade

• 8th grade

• 6th grade

What percentage of Americans trusted the CDC's communication about COVID-19 in January 2022?

• 60%

• 44%

• 75%

• 30%

What is required for the CDC's reorganization plan to proceed?

• Approval from the World Health Organization

• Approval from the President

• Approval from the Health and Human Services Department

• Approval from Congress